We love traveling more than pretty much anything else, so when you can combine travel with a wedding, it makes for an extremely exciting opportunity. We’ve been friends with Joe and Megan for quite some time now, starting when they contacted us about a session with the two of them and their Factory Five Shelby Cobra Replica. We loved the creativity and the effort they put into the set, and it really paid off – it has been one of our favorite sessions for years! Fast forward a few years, and Joe popped the question while they were vacationing in southeast Asia. A short time later, they contacted me about photographing their wedding at El Mangroove Hotel in Costa Rica, an offer which we quickly accepted.
While in Costa Rica, Joe, Megan, and their friends and family all went far out of their way to include us in every event, large or small. Their hospitality was incredible, and we are so thankful for all we were able to experience with them. I hope that these images take those who were there back to the beaches of Costa Rica, and to the fun memories made there.
If you have a chance, please check out Joe’s woodworking website. He makes the most stunning rocking chairs in his spare time, which are of the highest craftsmanship I’ve ever seen in person.
Vendor List:
Wedding Planner: Four Nineteen Weddings
Venue: El Mangroove
Floral: Art Flower
Rentals: Costa Mesa Event Rentals
Ceremony Music: Ricardo Fonseca
DJ: DJ Teemor
Cake: Victoria Zoch
Hair: Famous Points Beauty
Make Up: Maravilla Make Up
Dress: Walters from Mia Bridal Couture
Shoes: Jimmy Choo
Day 1
Our first day in Costa Rica was spent lounging around the hotel, capped with an amazing catamaran ride out to snorkel in a nearby cove. The catamaran’s crew were super friendly and accommodating, making us drinks upon request, and chopping fresh fruit for snacks all along the ride. Great introduction to Costa Rica!
Day 2
This was the day before the wedding ceremony. We used this day to get acquainted with the beautiful Mangroove Hotel, taking in all its amenities and scenery. The hotel was seated just above a mangrove that led out into the beach, with outdoor cabanas, a pool, and dining area. Later on that night was the rehearsal dinner, where friends and family had a few short toasts before the ceremony the following day.
The Wedding Day
What a perfect wedding day! Since everyone was already at the hotel, there was a nice, relaxed pace to the beginning of the day. Everyone was able to take their time getting ready and enjoy it as everything came together. We loved the moments like Megan’s first look with her dad and Joe’s reading of Megan’s card. The ceremony took place at the edge of the Hotel grounds, just before the mangrove. Megan and Joe sealed the deal just as the sun began to set over the water behind them. We spent some time after on the beach getting some photos in the stunning scenery before heading back in to the reception. The dance party that followed was one of the best I’ve experienced. The dance floor was packed the entire night!
Day 4
With everyone feeling the effects from the previous night, this day was nice and easy. Everyone woke up at their own pace and filtered down to the main area for breakfast. From there, people began departing back to the states one by one. However, wanting to use up every last moment we had available in a beautiful place like Costa Rica, we headed to nearby Playa Bonita to get a few shots with Joe and Megan on the volcanic rock beaches at sunset. It capped off a truly amazing experience, and we are so happy to finally be able to share the images with you.
